Tinny? Waste of time? First boat?

[KgWhiting]

If your looking at fishing 3-4 people on boat around that 4.5-5m size have a look at some centre or side consoles a lot more fishing space and room however a bit wet on a lumpy day

[Sebb]

What about 4.1m polycraft? Looks spacey and stable.

[smile0784]

Ask purple 5 I think that's what he's got

[bowl]

That would fit 4...

[colnick]

I reckon others have probably said it all. You have two simple questions to answer before you make a final decision.
* How often will you be fishing more than two people?
* How important is protection from the elements for you?
In practice, no matter which way you go, there is no way you will comfortably fish four. There is a vast difference between three and four. One or two is best, three is manageable. Four? - I do what Kimtown does and act as deckie. If you are into the fish you will more than have your hands full.
If protection is important to you, fishing practicality comes second. In my sort of fishing, the ability to easily move right around the boat is vital. How many times do you net a fish on the opposite side of the boat to where you hooked it? I have often landed fish which have completed three circuits of the boat, and that ain't easy if you have to negotiate a cabin, the anchor rope, the motor and two other anglers to boot.
So my advice would be open, tiller steer tinny if the fishing is the most important consideration for you.
If you have the opportunity to experience both before you buy, take it.

[purple5ive]

i would hire a 4m boat from the hire places (mornington has the 4.1polycraft which are great boats)
and take 4 people onboard and see what happens.
you will then very quickly work out if you need a bigger boat, or need to dump 2 people.
its first hand experience that way and not hearsay from people you dont know..

[skronkman]

I think you will find that after one or 2 trips that you will very rarely be able to find 3 other people that can organise themselves to come on your boat with you! everybody is keen as mustard when you’re considering buying a boat but 6 months later you’ll likely be doing more solo trips or possibly have one person that is a keen,regular decky (if you’re lucky).

You can probably tell from the responses on here that most of us keen Fisho’s aren’t fans of having that many on a boat when you wanna take the fishing a little bit serious. Many of us do a lot of solo missions simply because we can’t find anyone else ready to make the commitment of time (people have work and families) and money (people prefer to pay their mortgage and put food On their children’s plates than chip in $100 for fuel etc.) involved on a regular basis. Hence the reason there are multiple threads on this site looking for a decky.

So it very much depends on whether you’re looking at a social boat that can be used for fishing sometimes or a fishing boat. You can fit four people on a 4.2 tinny but you won’t be able to fish well. But with only one or 2 keen Fisho’s it’s one of the best and most versatile fishing boats around in my opinion. Not a great option for kids. Missus. Parties though.

[Sebb]

I think you will find that after one or 2 trips that you will very rarely be able to find 3 other people that can organise themselves to come on your boat with you! everybody is keen as mustard when you’re considering buying a boat but 6 months later you’ll likely be doing more solo trips or possibly have one person that is a keen,regular decky (if you’re lucky).

You can probably tell from the responses on here that most of us keen Fisho’s aren’t fans of having that many on a boat when you wanna take the fishing a little bit serious. Many of us do a lot of solo missions simply because we can’t find anyone else ready to make the commitment of time (people have work and families) and money (people prefer to pay their mortgage and put food On their children’s plates than chip in $100 for fuel etc.) involved on a regular basis. Hence the reason there are multiple threads on this site looking for a decky.

So it very much depends on whether you’re looking at a social boat that can be used for fishing sometimes or a fishing boat. You can fit four people on a 4.2 tinny but you won’t be able to fish well. But with only one or 2 keen Fisho’s it’s one of the best and most versatile fishing boats around in my opinion. Not a great option for kids. Missus. Parties though.

Well said here.
I've also been thinking and researching about this. And yes, some of our friends and family aren't always keen fishermen.
Even without a boat, it's very distinct on who's keen to fish for hours in a tough and rough condition and who's just want to have easy 1-2 hrs fishing (and get bored). Like the idea but then eventually only the keen fishos stayed.

I've on one of those polycraft 4.1m with bimini off Mornington boat hire, pretty decent and stable. Was three of us fishing and it was just enough. Four is crowded, ok for socialising boating but not for 4 people serious fishing.

[smokin_reels]

Get a Hobie and leave everyone on shore :rofl:

[ango]

When you fish Westernport, and Port Phillip for snapper because of the wind and tide you can only fish 4 rods out the back of the boat which is the legal limit for one person in saltwater. By taking extra people you will really be catching the same number of fish shared between more people. I don't mind going out with mates because they take me out on their boats and it all evens out, but I would get a bit tired of sharing the catch while getting stuck with all the cleaning up and boating costs, its OK if it's your kids & I do take the grand kids out some times, but if you are a serious fisherman one or two is the limit. I got sick of having people come out who like the idea of fishing but don't know much about it. I now have a rule, if you don't know how to tie knots, bait up, handle fish etc. then go out on a charted because you will not go out with me.
Cheers. Ango.